Camp Susquehanna

Leader-In-Training June 10-17, 2023
Volunteers June 12-17, 2023
Campers June 13-17, 2023

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About Camp Susquehanna

What is Camp Susquehanna?
Camp is a 5 day, sleep-away experience for children ages 7-17 who have had a burn injury. It is an opportunity for children to have fun, learn life skills, and meet other burn survivors. Although Camp Susquehanna’s campers are of varying ages, activities and groups are geared towards each camper’s developmental needs.

Where is C.S.?
Camp Susquehanna is being held at beautiful Camp Westmont in Poyntelle, PA! Surrounded by beautiful woods and containing many outdoor adventures, campers and counselors also enjoy the amenities of air conditioned facilities.

Who are the counselors/Staff?
Our staff consists of adult burn survivors, health care professionals, burn center staff and fire service professionals. All of our staff undergoes criminal background checks, screening interviews, and training.

How much does it cost?
NOTHING! Camp is free to campers, sponsored by the M. Elvin Byler Memorial Sertoma Club, Burn Prevention Network, and other generous donors. Campers are also offered free roundtrip bus transportation from several different sites/burn centers across Pennsylvania; including Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Lehigh Valley. Children may also be brought to camp via private vehicle.

What about my child’s special needs?
Camp Susquehanna has qualified burn nurses on staff who dispense medications, change dressings, assist with pressure garments, and perform medical duties as needed. For the first time this year we will also have the benefit of Telemedicine Services through Lehigh Valley Health Network! Our programming is geared to include all levels of ability and function. Other professionals are present, including mental health, physical, occupational, and/or recreational therapists, etc.

It is the policy of the Burn Prevention Network to make its educational programs and services available to all persons, organizations, and places of business without regard to sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, race, creed, color, national origin, ability to pay, handicap or disability, and subject to the availability of institutional resources.

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2023 In-Person Camp Important Dates

SAVE THE DATE for In-Person Camp Susquehanna 2023!

(Please note that Camp will end on a SATURDAY this year for all groups!)

Campers – June 13-17 (Tuesday-Saturday)
Volunteers – June 12-17 (Monday-Saturday)
LITs – June 10-17 (Saturday-Saturday)

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2022 In- Person Covid Protocols

Camp Susquehanna 2022 COVID-19 Protocol

Campers:

Protocols:

It is not mandatory for campers to be vaccinated.
Campers must complete a rapid Covid Test (which will be sent to you by Camp Susquehanna) 72 hours prior to boarding the bus to come to camp. (Sunday, June 11). A negative test result must be sent to Camp Leadership.
Campers must also complete a rapid Covid Test immediately prior to boarding a bus to come to camp (or prior to arriving to camp if being transported privately). Result must be negative.
Campers must wear a mask while on the bus to camp.
Any camper exhibiting symptoms throughout the week will receive a rapid test. A positive camper will be isolated and must be picked up by a parent or guardian.
Once everyone has tested negative, and we have established our “Camp Susquehanna” bubble (no one leaves campus or is exposed to anyone other than those listed above), masks will not be mandatory. Anyone wishing to wear a mask may do so.

Provisions:

ALL westmont staff and all Camp Susquehanna volunteers will be fully vaccinated (“fully” – based on CDC guidelines). All staff must test negative upon arrival.
All Westmont staff will wear masks when indoor with campers.
Outdoor meal areas will be utilized whenever possible.
All bus drivers and chaperones will be vaccinated and masked.
No “self service” (like a salad bar) in the dining hall.
Bunks will be spaced apart more than typical, allowing for distance between sleeping campers.
ION filters in every air conditioned building

Recommendations:

If feasible, you can reduce exposure of your camper (keep them home, away from others, etc. for several days prior to boarding the bus to come to camp. This will lessen the chance they can be exposed and miss out on the opportunity to come to camp.

By registering your camper for Camp Susquehanna 2022, you are acknowledging that any interaction with the general public poses an elevated risk of being exposed to COVID-19. You further acknowledge that you and your camper will undertake all measures to protect your and his/her own health and well-being and those of others in attendance at Camp Susquehanna including adhering to Centers for Disease Control guidelines, to the best of our abilities, and laws, ordinances and mandates in the locale of the conference; and following the published COVID-19 safety guidelines for the event. By attending the camp your camper voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold Camp Susquehanna, Burn Prevention Network, Camp Westmont or any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, or volunteers liable for any illness or injury.

**These protocols may be updated and changed based on the evolving environment surrounding Covid-19. Updates will be provided as soon as they become available.

Volunteers and LITs:

Protocols:

Volunteers and LITs must be fully vaccinated. (“fully” – based on CDC guidelines).
Volunteers and LITs must complete a Rapid Covid Test 72 hours prior to arriving at camp. A negative test result must be sent to Camp Leadership.
Volunteers and LITs must also complete a rapid Covid Test either prior to leaving to drive to camp or upon arrival. Camp Susquehanna will provide the Rapid Tests. Result must be negative.
Any volunteer or LIT exhibiting symptoms throughout the week will receive a rapid test. If a positive test occurs, that person must leave the campus.
Once everyone has tested negative, and we have established our “Camp Susquehanna” bubble (no one leaves campus or is exposed to anyone other than those listed above), masks will not be mandatory. Anyone wishing to wear a mask may do so.

Provisions:

ALL westmont staff and all Camp Susquehanna volunteers will be fully vaccinated (“fully” – based on CDC guidelines). All staff must test negative upon arrival.
Campers will be tested 72 hours prior to arriving, as well before boarding the buses. All tests must be negative.
All Westmont staff will wear masks when indoor with campers.
Outdoor meal areas will be utilized whenever possible.
All bus drivers and chaperones will be vaccinated and masked.
No “self service” (like a salad bar) in the dining hall.
Bunks will be spaced apart more than typical, allowing for distance between sleeping campers.
ION filters in every air conditioned building

By registering to volunteer for Camp Susquehanna 2022, you are acknowledging that any interaction with the general public poses an elevated risk of being exposed to COVID-19. You further acknowledge that you and your camper will undertake all measures to protect your and his/her own health and well-being and those of others in attendance at Camp Susquehanna including adhering to Centers for Disease Control guidelines, to the best of our abilities, and laws, ordinances and mandates in the locale of the conference; and following the published COVID-19 safety guidelines for the event. By attending the camp your camper voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold Camp Susquehanna, Burn Prevention Network, Camp Westmont or any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, or volunteers liable for any illness or injury.

**These protocols may be updated and changed based on the evolving environment surrounding Covid-19. Updates will be provided as soon as they become available.

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Activities

Swimming

Music

Campfires

Fancy Dinner

Waterfront

Fishing

Climbing Wall

Ropes Course

Electives

And So Much More!

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Volunteer Info

Counselors must be present at camp per the dates listed above. No exceptions.

Have experience working with children
Complete the application
Complete a phone interview
Attend all days of camp
Must have Criminal and Child Abuse checks completed and mailed prior to attending camp. Anyone who has not lived in the state of PA for the last ten consecutive years must also complete an FBI fingerprint check. Clearances are valid for 60 months from date of issue.
Burn survivors ages 18-20 may apply to the Leaders-In-Training Program
All others potential volunteers must be at least 21 years of age

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Leadership

Jessica Banks, BSE

Jessica Banks is the Assistant Executive Director for the Burn Prevention Network and Co-Director of Camp Susqurehanna. She has a Bachelor’s degree with dual certification in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Millersville University. She worked in Early Care Classrooms and Administration for 18 years before joining the staff of the Burn Prevention Network in 2006. She runs all programming for BPN, and holds the PA State Levels I&II Certification as a Youth Fire Misuse Specialist. She has been involved with Camp Susquehanna since 2015.

Liz Dideon Hess, LCSW

Liz Dideon Hess is a Clinical Social Worker working in private practice therapy. Previously, she has worked at Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Regional Burn Center for 13 years, where she provided mental health counseling, support group facilitation, and oversaw peer support programs for pediatric and adult burn survivors. She specializes in trauma, social skill development, grief, and body image issues. Liz has been a burn survivor since 2003 and has been involved with Camp Susquehanna since 2004.

Jennifer Nagle, RN, BSN, CCRN

Jennifer Nagle graduated in 1999 from Widner University with a Bachelors degree in nursing and has worked as a critical care nurse at Lehigh Valley Health Network’s, Regional Burn Center since 2003. Jenn has been involved with Camp Susquehanna since 2006 and the LIT leader since 2013.

Steven Schneider, CFPS

Steven Schneider is a retired Fire Chief and currently works for a large fire protection service provider. He is the Lehigh Valley Health Network, Regional Burn Center’s Liaison to the Fire Service. Steve has been involved with Camp Susquehanna since 2014 and the LIT leader since 2015.

Michelle Scales, RN, BSN

Michelle Scales graduated in 1997 with a Diploma in Nursing from Fanshawe College in Canada and has worked in Burn Care for a total of 12 years. Michelle currently works in the Outpatient Burn Recovery Center at Lehigh Valley Hospital. Recently, Michelle earned her Bachelor’s in Nursing from Chamberlain University. She has been involved with several burn camps, and has been with Camp Susquehanna since 2014, leading our nursing team and joining the leadership team in 2020.

Molly Principe

Molly Principe has been involved with Camp Susquehanna since 2008. Prior to volunteering, Molly helped to raise over $100,000 for Camp. She is an Assistant Community Manager of a luxury apartment community in Lancaster, PA.

Jessica Smith, MS, CCLS

Jessica is a Senior Child Life Specialist at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Jess has a Master’s degree in Child Development and Family Studies and has worked as a certified child life specialist for over 10 years. Jess worked at the UPMC Mercy Trauma Burn Center for four years during which time she provided psychosocial support to pediatric burn survivors and their families. Jess has been involved with Camp Susquehanna since 2012 serving as a counselor, team leader, and psychosocial support team member.

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Donate

Camp Susquehanna is only possible because of generous community donors and businesses. It costs roughly $1000 to send one child to camp, and the entire experience is completely free of charge to our campers and their families!

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Leaders In Training

The Leaders In Training (LIT) program is a three year leadership program within Camp Susquehanna, for young adults ages 18 to 21 with an option for a fourth year. The LIT program focuses on fostering skills necessary to becoming a good leader as well as developing life skills that will be beneficial throughout the participant’s lifetime. Through a combination of group discussions and exercises, the participants will recognize the value of teamwork and planning, how to overcome obstacles, handle setbacks and continue to develop their own values. These skills will be put to use while interacting and assisting the campers and councilors. Entry into this program is via an application process, which will be reviewed by a committee of the Camp and those accepted will be notified.

2022 Leaders in Training Application »

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FAQs

What is Camp Susquehanna?

Camp is a 5 day, sleep-away experience for children ages 7-17 who have had a burn injury. It is an opportunity for children to have fun, learn life skills, and meet other burn survivors. Although Camp Susquehanna’s campers are of varying ages, activities and groups are geared towards each camper’s developmental needs.

Where is C.S.?

Camp Susquehanna is being held at beautiful Camp Westmont in Poyntelle, PA! Surrounded by beautiful woods and containing many outdoor adventures, campers and counselors also enjoy the amenities of air conditioned facilities.

Who are the counselors/Staff?

Our staff consists of adult burn survivors, health care professionals, burn center staff and fire service professionals. All of our staff undergoes criminal background checks, screening interviews, and training.

How much does it cost?

NOTHING! Camp is free to campers, sponsored by the M. Elvin Byler Memorial Sertoma Club, Burn Prevention Network, and other generous donors. Campers are also offered free roundtrip bus transportation from several different sites/burn centers across Pennsylvania; including Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Lehigh Valley. Children may also be brought to camp via private vehicle.

What about my child’s special needs?

Camp Susquehanna has qualified burn nurses on staff who dispense medications, change dressings, assist with pressure garments, and perform medical duties as needed. For the first time this year we will also have the benefit of Telemedicine Services through Lehigh Valley Health Network! Our programming is geared to include all levels of ability and function. Other professionals are present, including mental health, physical, occupational, and/or recreational therapists, etc.